How to Care for Area Rugs

Area rugs are a beautiful addition to any home. They create visual interest; add warmth to a room; protect the floor, whether tile, hardwood or carpet; and reduce the sounds and vibrations caused by movement. Area rugs can also be changed out quite easily for the seasons. Follow these tips to care for your home’s area rugs.

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum once or twice a week. Make multiple passes in varying directions to remove dirt and debris. Look for a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA filters are especially useful in homes with allergy sufferers. Use the beater brush and the appropriate setting for the pile. Change bag or empty cannister when half full to ensure continued effectiveness.

Protect from the Sun

Direct sun exposure will cause fading and, over time, deterioration of the pile. The backing may also be affected. Safeguard rugs, especially antique or Oriental rugs, with blackout curtains or other protective window treatments. Installing UV blocking window film is a cost-effective option. Rotate your rugs every six months; more often in high traffic areas.

Prompt Attention to Spills Required

Blot up spills by covering the area with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat until all the liquid has been absorbed. If the spill is solid, use a spoon to scoop up as much of the material as possible before blotting. Spot clean with a solution of hand-washing soap and room temperature (never hot) water. Rinse, then blot using a dry towel. Use recommended solutions for stains.

Protect Your Rug from Heavy Furniture

To protect area rugs from dents, support heavy furniture on clear caster cups. Online retailers as well as home improvement and furniture stores offer a variety of caster cups, also known as furniture coasters, so you can find the right size for your furniture’s legs. Caster cups with spikes that face the rug are often ideal because they promote furniture stability.

Schedule Professional Cleaning and Restoration

Special types of area rugs require specialized care. Reference care labels for the manufacturers recommend cleaning methods. Hot water extraction, or steam cleaning, works best. Schedule professional cleanings every 12 to 18 months. Rugs in high traffic areas may benefit from more frequent cleanings.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

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Across the country, drying machines are responsible for hundreds of thousands of fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 27% of these fires are the result of lint buildup. Cleaning your dryer and its vent once per year is an easy way to prevent dryer fires. The lint trap should be cleaned before and after each use though.

Why Maintain Your Dryer?

Clothes dryers can save you both time and effort. However, they require frequent maintenance to ensure their continued operation and most importantly, your safety.

NFPA recommends cleaning the lint filter before and after each load of laundry, cleaning lint out of the pipe every three months, and having your dryer vent cleaned annually by a professional. Replace plastic vent ducting with metal as well, if applicable.

Neglecting dryer maintenance can cause lint to accumulate, restricting airflow, and slowing down drying time. A less efficient dryer results in higher energy bills.

Over time, as lint build-ups near the motor or heating elements, its very flammable nature can ignite a fire. This fire can then spread! Don’t risk a fire, spend a few minutes performing expert recommended maintenance tasks, and avoiding risky drying behaviors (see dryer don’ts).

Dryer Don’ts

Don’t overload the dryer
Don’t place anything over the wall damper
Don’t use a dryer with a damaged or missing lint filter
Don’t leave a clothes dryer running while you’re away or asleep
Don’t dry clothes stained with flammable chemicals or substances
Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber, or plastic (air dry instead)

Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning Service AZ provides professional dryer vent cleaning to residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to dislodge dirt and debris from the entire length of the vent from the dryer to the outside of your home. Contact us today for a free quote at (602) 633-2015.

Carpet Cleaning: Are You Cleaning Your Carpets Often Enough?

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “people spend 90% of their times indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” Carpet often absorb these pollutants.

This can become a real problem for people with respiratory issues or allergy problems – especially if it’s not properly addressed. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to prevent the potential for negative health effects.

The first line of defense should be to vacuum twice a week – more often in households with pets or small children. This task can remove dust, dander, and allergens. Vacuuming regularly will also help extend the life of your carpets.

The key here is to vacuum slowly and thoroughly using a HEPA-rated vacuum cleaner. Make sure you’re changing the bag when it’s half to two-thirds full. If you use a canister vacuum, empty it after each use.

As a rule of thumb, you should invest in professional carpet cleaning every twelve months. Semi-annual carpet cleaning is often recommended for homes with kids, pets, or immune suppressed family members.

The best carpet cleaning method is steam cleaning, Steam cleaning penetrates deep into the fibers to extract embedded dirt and grime. Most carpet manufacturers require this method to maintain warranties. DIY steam cleaning is not recommended and may void warranties.

Choosing the right carpet cleaning company is important. After all, you want an experienced carpet cleaner who will ensure your carpets are not only sanitized, but that most of the moisture and detergent is effectively extracted. This will keep your carpets cleaner for longer lengths of time.

Between professional carpet cleanings, use mats outside and in, enforce a “no shoes inside” rule, routinely change your air filters to reduce airborne particles, and clean spots and spills as soon as they happen. You may want to consider applying a quality protectant after each cleaning as well.

Carpet Cleaning Service AZ provides high-quality carpet cleaning services to residents throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Additional cleaning services include upholstery, tile and grout, and water extraction. We use specialized, truck-mounted equipment and non-toxic solutions. Contact us at (602) 633-2015 for a free quote.

How to Care for Tile Flooring

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Tile offers everything from beauty to durability. This makes it a popular choice among today’s homeowners and not just for the floor. It is also used for countertops and shower walls. Regular care is required to ensure the tile stays clean and free of stains though. Investing in professional tile and grout cleaning is another great idea as well.

Care for your tile flooring with these tips.

Use Doormats

A doormat can really cut down on dirt and debris. They are also very affordable. For effectiveness, place doormats inside and out exterior doors to trap dirt, mud and debris. Getting into the habit of wiping your feet will also help extend the longevity of your tile flooring.

No-Shoe Policy

Shoes effectively transfer several different species of bacteria to your floors. This is according to a study done at the University of Arizona. Set a boot tray or shoe bin by the door to encourage family members and guests to take off their shoes. Adding a bench is another good idea.

Basic Maintenance

Normal cleaning methods, such as sweeping and mopping, should be done a couple times a week. This can help reduce allergens. Dry mopping or a floor brush can also be used to clean your floors. As for a mop, there are several to choose from, including string, microfiber and sponge.

Use the Right Cleaner

If you’re not using the right cleaner, you could be damaging your tile floors, depending on material. Don’t use vinegar, ammonia, or bleach on natural stone tile. Instead, choose a pH-neutral cleaner when mopping limestone, marble, travertine, or any other type of natural stone tile.

Scratch Resistant Felt Pads

Applying felt furniture pads to chair, table, and other furniture legs is an effective way to protect your flooring from scratches. They should, however, be routinely changed out to prevent trapped dirt and debris from damaging the floor. These can be found at most any retailer as well as online in multiple shapes and sizes.

A Deeper Clean for Your Floors

While tile may resist stains, grout is porous, meaning it’s absorbent. Grout is also susceptible to mildew – especially in the kitchen or bathroom. Investing in professional tile and grout cleaning can keep your tile flooring looking like new for longer. It can also help extend its useful lifespan.

Common Carpet Repairs

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Carpet Repairs

Carpet provides warmth, soundproofing, and thermal resistance. Another advantage to carpet is that it holds up well over time. Ensuring its sustainability often requires nothing more than basic cleaning and routine maintenance – following the manufacturers recommendations. Despite your best intentions, messes happen, which can stain your carpet. When faced with burns, stains or other messes, you’ll need carpet repairs.

Burns

Burn marks caused by accidentally knocking a hot iron off the ironing board or a hot hair straightener off the bathroom counter can be unsightly. Carpet patching is usually the best method for removing burn marks from carpet. Carpet dyeing may be another alternative depending on the burn’s severity. Contact a local carpet cleaning professional for assistance with your carpet repairs.

Stains

Spills happen: coffee from an overturned mug, grape juice from a leaky sippy-cup, or a finger-painting mishap. Without immediate action, your spill can quickly become a stain, necessitating further treatment. If the stain persists or reappears, your other option is to invest in professional carpet cleaning services such as steam cleaning, carpet dyeing, heat transferring, and carpet patching.

Paint Drips

Painting is a popular home improvement project. For very little money, you can freshen the living room, dining room or bedroom walls. If the proper precautions aren’t taken (e.g., taping off trim, laying drop cloths, etc.), it is possible for paint to drip onto the carpet, staining it. This may provide the opposite of the desired effect. Thankfully paint drips, like stains, can be easily repaired using the proper techniques.

Pet Damage

Pets can be hard on carpeting and upholstery. Whether the result of digging, clawing or chewing, pet damage can be professionally repaired by either re-stretching or patching the carpet depending on severity and location. Patching often requires removing a piece of carpet from a closet or other out-of-the-way space and swapping it with the damaged piece. If available, a carpet remnant may also be used.

Pet Urine

Whether from a dog, cat or other animal, urine stains can be frustrating to remove. Even more frustrating is when Fido keeps urinating in the same spot despite previous removal of the stain. This is because the scent lingers. Stopping this behavior requires eliminating the stain and the odor (there are several natural methods you can use). Like all stains, the quicker you act, the better your chances of removing pet urine.

Carpet Rippling

Carpet rippling, also known as wrinkling or buckling, is not uncommon. While there are several causes such as improper installation, low-quality padding or delamination, there is usually only one fix: A professionally done re-stretch. You’ll be amazed by the results! It’s recommended that moisture problems (another causes of rippling) be addressed before having the carpets re-stretched to ensure the problem doesn’t reoccur.

There are Vacuum Attachments for That

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vacuum attachments

As a rule, you should be vacuuming your carpet, area rugs and upholstery once a week with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtrated vacuum cleaner. Vacuum two to three times per week if you get a lot of foot traffic or have pets. Use vacuum attachments to clean hard-to-reach areas and stairs. Combine with regular carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning.

Standard Vacuum Attachments

Most vacuum cleaners include these accessories in the box.

Extension Wand: Add 18-inches to the vacuum hose to reach high, low, and hard-to-reach places (e.g., ceiling fans, light fixtures, air vents, and under furniture). Its long length prevents muscle strain and fatigue. Extension wands can be paired with other tubes or attachments – just fasten it to the wand and go.

Upholstery Tool: Dust, pet hair and lint cling to upholstery fibers, which can be difficult to get off without the proper tools. Enter the upholstery cleaning attachment! From four to six inches wide, this tool directs a band of suction over dusty cushions to effectively, and efficiently clean them. Works on mattresses and carpeted stairs as well.

Crevice Tool: The angled tip of this 8- to 12-inch long tool makes picking up dirt and debris from hard-to-reach places easy. Slide it along baseboards, between vents and seat cushions, and in other tight spots. You can also use this attachment to clean the dryer lint trays; dryer exhaust vents should be inspected and cleaned annually as well.

Dusting Brush: Inch-long bristles surround the opening of this round or rectangular shaped tool, providing gentle abrasion to dislodge and pick up dust particles. Its soft bristles won’t scratch surfaces. Use it on leather furniture, lampshades, window treatments, baseboards, furniture, or on the dashboard of your car.

Floor Sweeper: Vacuum wood and tile floors in overlapping rows with this go-to tool. The soft, half-inch bristles, along with the vacuums’ powerful suction pick up dirt, crumbs, and pet hair while the center picks up larger debris. Floor sweepers typically feature wheels or a swivel head, making it easy to maneuver around a room.

Add-On Vacuum Attachments

These can be purchased à la carte at retailers and online.

Turbo Brush: With a swivel head, rotating bristles, and a compact size the turbo brush attachment is useful for cleaning stairs without the need to lug the vacuum up every step. Some have rubber parts to better grab and remove pet hair that clings to upholstered furniture. Can also be used for cleaning car interiors.

Car-Cleaning Nozzle: This is the same nozzle you use at do-it-yourself car washes. Simply attach it to your vacuum hose and use it to clean the upholstery and in between all the corners of your car. Can also be used in the house for cleaning upholstery, mattresses, and stairs.

Pet Grooming Tool: If you have fur-babies, you may want to consider adding this attachment to your arsenal of grooming supplies. This comb is meant to help make your pet’s hair soft and, when attached to your vacuum, ensure pet hair doesn’t get all over the house … if your pet doesn’t freak out at the sound of the vacuum that is.

Spring Cleaning

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spring cleaning

Beautiful temperatures outdoors, flowers blooming everywhere, and sunlight streaming through your windows can mean only one thing – that spring’s arrival is quickly approaching. Spring cleaning is an annual tradition that provides us with the perfect opportunity to freshen up our homes and, when completed early enough, allow us to enjoy the great outdoors before summer’s triple-digit temperatures draw closer.

Follow our simple spring cleaning guide to get your home sparkling in no time.

Declutter

Spring is the perfect time to rid your home of the “stuff” you can live without. Decluttering also makes the act of cleaning your home a lot easier. Label three boxes or bags with donate, sell, and trash. Going room by room, sort through the clutter, filling your collection boxes/bags with items your family has outgrown or no longer needs. If you’re unsure about an item, ask yourself:

Do I love it?
Do I need it?
When was the last time I used it?
Do I own/need duplicates of the same item?

Clean Air Vents

To start, turn off your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Remove all floor, ceiling, and return air vents using a Phillips head screwdriver as needed. Next, place them all in a bathtub filled with few drops of dish soap, and let soak for about 10 minutes. Using a scrub brush, give each vent a good washing, making sure to rinse thoroughly. Dry completely before reinstalling the vents and turning your system on. You may also want to consider professional air duct cleaning.

Wipe Down the Walls

Walls get dirty – especially in homes with kids or pets. Cleaning them at least once a year is key to keeping your house sparkling. It’s a good idea to vacuum the walls using a brush attachment before wiping down. To keep from damaging your walls, use a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid for light smudges, or mix together a cup of ammonia, ½ cup of white vinegar, and a ¼ cup of baking soda for tough-to-remove dirt and grime. Start at the top of wall and wipe the agent on with a sponge or soft cloth. Be sure to dry the wall thoroughly as you go to prevent streaking.

Steam Clean Carpeting

Along with regular vacuuming, it’s important to have your carpets professionally steamed cleaned every six to twelve months, depending on the number of household members and if you have any pets. There are several advantages to steam cleaning, including destroying bacteria, deodorizing the carpet, and controlling allergens. You may also want to consider professional upholstery cleaning and/or tile and grout cleaning.

Game Winning Party Tips

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game winning party tips

The big game is just three days away!

Even if your home team isn’t playing, chances are you plan to tune in along with the rest of America to watch the biggest game of the season on Sunday, along with can’t-miss ads and the Justin Timberlake halftime show. Go the distance by hosting a game winning party with tips taken straight out of our own playbook.

Clean

The Saturday before the game, disinfect the remote control(s), gently vacuum the speakers, and free the TV of any smudges. Using two parts water to two parts white vinegar, applied to a microfiber cloth, gently buff out any spots on the TV. Vacuum your carpet and upholstered furniture using a HEPA-filtration model.

Seating

Football fans will be glued to the TV, so it’s a good idea to create a comfortable game-viewing environment by arranging furniture in a semicircle facing the screen, and tossing throw pillows, along with comfy floor cushions anywhere someone may want to take a seat. Center a coffee table – protected with Kraft paper – between the seating area for snack attacks.

The Spread

What game-viewing party would be complete without lots of food? Some classic game-watching foods include bite sized potato skins, football deviled eggs, buffalo chicken stuffed French bread, chips and salsa (and/or queso), hot wings, and chili dogs. Make sure to watch for any dishes that may need replenishing throughout the game.

All in the Details

A little decorating can go a long way. String a printable football banner over your fireplace (if applicable) or in another suitable location. Paint mason jars in the competing team’s colors or with a football motif for game day ready mugs that can be used to hold straws and disposable utensils.

Games for the Win!

Pump up the fun with football-themed party games. Score big points with predict the game, football bingo, and bean bag throws. Another good idea is to set up a photo booth complete with football-themed props, such as paper helmets, “Here for the Commercials” or “#MyTeamIsBetter” talk bubbles, and footballs.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

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New Year’s Resolutions

Year after year, Americans resolve to improve their health, happiness or finances. While setting New Year’s resolutions are certainly a great way to make a positive change (or two) in your life, most of us unfortunately renege on them before we’re rewarded. One problem is that we’re setting our goals too high. If you want to reach a big goal, first you’ll have to set a small one, such as simplifying your home.

In fact, when setting your resolutions for 2018, there’s no better place to start than with your home. This year, resolve to declutter, organize and clean your home. There is a lot of value to reaching this goal: A clean home is healthier, fosters calm, supports productivity, saves money, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Once you’ve checked this goal off your list, you can move further down the list, one goal at a time.

Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for your home and how to achieve them.

Streamline the Clutter

One of the absolute best things you can do in the new year is to clear your home of clutter. Going room-by-room, clear anything that you don’t use, wear or love. You should also clear anything you have duplicates of. Your choices are then to trash it, donate it to charity or sell it. The latter can help with the goal of saving more money. Free your countertops of everything you don’t use on daily basis, as well.

Breathe Easy with Clean Carpet

Want to breathe a little easier?

Vacuum your carpet and, if applicable, area rugs once a week – at minimum. It’s also a good idea to schedule professional cleanings anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on traffic. Carpet serves as a natural filter for allergens and bacteria, but over time they can be filled up, making them less effective. Professional carpet cleaning can renew your carpet, ensuring a healthier home.

Additionally, you may want to consider scheduling professional upholstery cleaning on a regular basis. Most carpet cleaning companies also clean and condition leather furniture. Industry experts recommended cleaning your upholstered furniture once per year, at minimum. This will keep it looking and smelling like new.

Schedule a Weekly Cleaning Routine

Daily: Bed is made every morning; dishes go in the dishwasher after every meal; countertops and table(s) are wiped down every night; and dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets are hung – no excuses. Sweep kitchen floors and do laundry, as needed. Put everything back in its assigned place.

Weekly: Clean your entire house. We’ve broken this down into the following easy tasks:

Clean mirrors
Change bedding
Toss expired food
Vacuum carpet and area rugs
Mop tiled/hard surface flooring
Scrub bathroom and kitchen surfaces
Wipe down kitchen appliances; cleaning the inside of the microwave

Tip: Keep cleaning products, as well as rubber gloves and clean microfiber cloths, in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room. For optimum efficiency, focus on one room, and one surface at a time.

Holiday Decorating Ideas to Bring Joy to Your Home

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holiday decorating ideas

The holiday tree is just the start. Spread joy throughout the house with these holiday decorating ideas, brought to you from your friends at Carpet Cleaning Service AZ. In need of professional deep cleaning before your friends and family arrive? Don’t hesitate to give our team a call at (602) 633-2015.

Make Your Own Holiday Wreath

Hanging a wreath on your front door spreads good cheer to everyone who visits. Wreaths can also be hung on walls, above doorways, and in windows. This year, instead of buying a pre-made wreath from your local craft store, why not make your own? Pinterest offers some great ideas. To make your own, you can use:

bows
bells
lights
ribbon
extra ornaments
natural elements, such as pine cones
miniature holiday villages and/or figurines
and just about anything else you can think of

Embrace Different Color Schemes

Red and green aren’t the only way to decorate. Shake things up (in a good way!) by choosing a new color palette this holiday season. Red and white, gold and white, silver and pale blue are all popular choices. Can’t decide on one or two colors? Try several! There really are no hard rules when it comes to holiday color schemes. You’re free to have as much fun with colors as you’d like.

Make a Hot Cocoa Bar

During the holidays, there’s nothing quite like a delicious, warm cup of hot chocolate. Set out mugs and toppings like mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate syrup and sprinkles, and whipped cream so your family and guests can create this ultimate holiday treat. Here’s a recipe for decadent slow cooker hot chocolate that we love. Decorate the bar using homemade signs or banners.

Hang Garland Everywhere

Hang garland (fresh, faux or both) with Command hooks to lend cheer to banisters, mantels, windows, and doorways. Add a festive touch by cutting extra-long strips of wide ribbon, tied into bows, and attached to the garland about three feet apart. Garland can be used indoors or out. Another great idea for decorating is holiday swag. Swag can be hung from porch lights, on walls and doors, and in windows.

Add Some Whimsical Touches

Like with all decorating, the details are everything. Consider adding some more whimsical touches to your space, such as with homemade signs or old-fashioned sleigh bells. The latter can be attached to your front doorknob. Strings of LED lights can be added to the walls or banisters. To add ambiance and glow, fill glass mason jars with fairy lights, and place on any surface. The key here is to make your space look inviting.

Happy Holidays!

~ From our family to yours.